Shared vehicle systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Data is collected related to an environmental impact of a user&#39;s use of a shared vehicle. A score is calculated based on the environmental impact. The user further use of the shared vehicle at a price that is based at least in part on the score.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,010 filed Apr. 28, 2014 entitled “Identifying Vehicle Parking”; Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,004 filed Apr. 28, 2014 entitled “Facilitating Vehicle Parking”, Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,005 filed Apr. 28, 2014 entitled “Unauthorized Vehicle Detection”; Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,009 filed Apr. 28, 2014 entitled “Vehicle Parking Facilitated by Public Transmit Conveyances”; and Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,011 filed Apr. 28, 2014 entitled “Air Quality Improvements from Vehicle Parking, each of which provisional applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.

BACKGROUND

Personal vehicles generally provide a flexible form of transportation for commuters and passengers within urban environments. However, owning and operating a personal vehicle can be expensive when costs for the vehicle, fuel, insurance, and maintenance are factored in. In addition, personal vehicles increase congestion and pollution in urban environments. Public transit systems, including buses, trains, subways, etc., that operate on a fixed schedule, provide alternate lower cost options for commuters. Shared transportation options reduce in-city congestion and improve air quality. However, a commuter may have limited flexibility in terms of departure and arrival times, as well as departure and arrival locations.

Another shared transportation option that provides a good mix of flexibility, cost, ease of use, and environmental impact is a shared vehicle system. Therein, a fleet of vehicles are distributed over an operating zone (e.g., a city) and a user can rent any vehicle of the fleet for a short period (e.g., a few hours of a day). Once a user account is set up, the user can identify a vehicle he or she wishes to rent based on its location within the operating zone, and rent the vehicle without requiring additional paperwork. The user can then return the vehicle to the point of origin or drop off the vehicle at an alternate location, per the user's convenience. The shared vehicle system reduces the user's commuting costs while also reducing in-city congestion and pollution. At the same time, the ability to pick-up and drop-off a vehicle at a time and location determined by the user increases the user's flexibility.

Shared vehicles can contribute to emissions. As such, this may contribute to a degradation in air quality, particularly on days when air quality is already bad, such as on smog days.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary shared vehicle system.

FIG. 2 is a high level representation of an implementation of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for providing incentives based on a “green” score.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for recommending a vehicle based at least in part on an evaluation of environmental conditions.

DESCRIPTION

In shared vehicle systems, commuters can be provided with additional environmentally conscious choices. For example, on smog days, commuters can be given the option of using an electric vehicle instead of a fuel-burning vehicle, which can help to reduce exhaust emissions.

Thus in one example, air quality can be improved by providing commuters of a shared vehicle system with incentives for selecting use of electric vehicles over fueled vehicles (such as gasoline or diesel) vehicles, the incentives based on environmental factors such as ambient air quality. This and other operations disclosed herein may be provided according to instructions included in a central server or the like that is communicatively coupled to one or more shared vehicles, mobile devices, etc., e.g., via a wide area network that may include cellular, WiFi, and/or other technologies.

Accordingly, on smog days where air quality is worse, commuters can be given additional incentives (e.g., discounted fares, more centrally located parking options, etc.) for selecting an electric vehicle, or other less pollution emitting vehicle (such as a hybrid or hybrid electric vehicle). For example, notifications may be provided to the user via a display in the vehicle or via a mobile computing device such as a smartphone or the like of special parking spots that can be made available if the driver operates the vehicle in a sufficiently green manner, such as by using less than a threshold amount of fuel, the threshold set based on the overall distance planned to be traveled by the operator when starting or scheduling a trip. The parking options may be integrated with a parking application that manages parking spots in a given city where the vehicles are specially equipped to identify and provide an electronic signature with permission to park at a given parking spot, a signal including the electronic signature bring monitored by the city for enforcement purposes. The parking spots made available for successful reduced emission and/or reduced fuel usage driving may be closer to an intended destination, be of a longer duration, be of a reduced price, and/or combinations thereof.

In a further example, the ability to operate with reduced emissions may be provided or incented via a game or similar application, e.g., on a mobile device, with each user provided a “green score” in real-time based on how “green” they have driven. Such an application allows commuters to compete for driving with lowest emissions. A user may be given a higher score as the percentage of a given trip that is completed in an electric mode increases. The user may be able to see his score as well as the green score of friends in his network, and/or other shared vehicle system users in the system's network. By winning the game, a user can unlock additional incentives, as well as earning bragging rights. The user's green score can be advertised on the vehicle they are driving so that the user feels that they are helping keep his or her city unpolluted. For example, the green score may reflect how many trees a user saved or how many tons of CO₂ the user prevented from being released into the atmosphere.

In still further examples, vehicle recommendations provided to a user when they request a shared vehicle can also be adjusted based on a user's green score. For example, users who tend to have a higher green score may favor green driving and may be typically offered more “green vehicle” options. As another example, when the user makes the request for a vehicle, the user may be notified of all the electric vehicles available for rent in the user's vicinity.

In addition to providing discounts for use of an electric vehicle on smog days, users may also be notified of discounts available for using shared rides. This is where multiple users can use the same shared vehicle for travel in a common direction or along a partially overlapping route. For example, users may be grouped based on their routing preferences and then each member of the group may be provided with incentives. For example, users may\receive discounts, bonus points, etc. Users may also sign up as teams taking a ride together, and completing with other teams for top green scores.

Additionally, advertisements to car-sharing program participants that are not currently operating a vehicle based on environmental conditions in the vicinity of each user, or a given group of users in a given region/city. For example, users in a particular region having a high smog advisory may be given notifications and/or advertisements for reduced rates or may receive increased suggestions for car sharing through the central application during such days. Again, participants on such days may receive bonus discounts or points for future rentals during such days if they can complete their trip with lower than a threshold amount of emission generation per mile.

During the rental of the shared vehicle, the vehicle may display a user's particular score or ability at driving with reduced emissions or reduce fuel usage, showing progression and improvement over time, across different vehicles. Such scores may be aggregated across different vehicle for a given user by scaling the fuel usage and emissions for reach vehicle type so that an aggregate score of the driver's performance can be obtained.

Still further, personalized vehicle recommendations can be provided to the user through an application on their mobile device using knowledge of the particular vehicle driven, user preferences, user driving, weather, trip start and end location to predict range of user and choose a vehicle with adequate fuel. The application may give the user a personalized range offer. Driver behavior on street and highway can also be taken into account.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary shared vehicle system 100 that includes at least one, and typically, a plurality, of vehicles 101, e.g., a shared vehicle such as a motorcycle, car, van, etc. Each vehicle 101 includes a computer 105 communicatively coupled with a network 120. The vehicle 101 may further include a global positioning system (GPS) device 16 or the like in a vehicle 101. Vehicles 101 may share roadways with vehicles 102 that are not part of the shared vehicle system 100, i.e., that are not available for sharing via a server 125.

A vehicle 101 computer 105 may be configured for communications on a controller area network (CAN) bus or the like, and/or other wire or wireless protocols, e.g., Bluetooth, etc., i.e., the computer can communicate via various mechanisms that may be provided in a vehicle 101, and can accordingly receive data from vehicle sensors, communications via the network 125, e.g., from the server 125, etc. The computer 105 may also have a connection to an onboard diagnostics connector (OBD-II). Via the CAN bus, OBD-II, and/or other wired or wireless mechanisms. Further, a navigation system 106 may be provided in the vehicle 101 and communicatively coupled to the computer 105 to provide location data, e.g., via a global positioning system (GPS) or the like. The computer 105 may provide data, including location information of the vehicle 101, to the server 125 via a network 120.

The network 120 represents one or more mechanisms by which a vehicle computer 105 may communicate with a remote server 125 and/or a user device 150. Accordingly, the network 120 may be one or more of various wired or wireless communication mechanisms, including any desired combination of wired (e.g., cable and fiber) and/or wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or topologies when multiple communication mechanisms are utilized). Exemplary communication networks include wireless communication networks (e.g., using Bluetooth, IEEE 802.101, etc.), local area networks (LAN) and/or wide area networks (WAN), including the Internet, providing data communication services.

The server 125 may be one or more computer servers, each generally including at least one processor and at least one memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, including instructions for carrying out various steps and processes described herein. The server 125 may include or be communicatively coupled to the data store 130 for storing data received from one or more vehicles 101.

A user device 150 may be any one of a variety of computing devices including a processor and a memory, as well as communication capabilities. For example, the user device 150 may be a portable computer, tablet computer, a smart phone, etc. that includes capabilities for wireless communications using IEEE 802.101, Bluetooth, and/or cellular communications protocols. Further, the user device 150 may use such communication capabilities to communicate via the network 125 including with a vehicle computer 105. A user device 150 could communicate with a vehicle 101 computer 105 the other mechanisms, such as a network in the vehicle 101, a known protocols such as Bluetooth, etc. Further, a user device 150 could be used to provide a human machine interface (HMI) to the computer 105.

FIG. 2 is a high level representation of an implementation of the system 100 of FIG. 1 in a geographic area 200. Vehicles 101 in the geographic area 200 may communicate with the server 125, e.g., via the network 120 (as seen in FIG. 1). Further, vehicles 102 that are not part of the system 100, as mentioned above, may be included in the geographic area 200. Vehicles 101 in the geographic area 200 may be available for use by a participant in the shared vehicle system 100, or in use. For example, vehicles 101 in FIG. 2 represented by unshaded squares may be considered to be available for use, whereas vehicles 101 represented by shaded squares may be considered to be in use.

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process 300 for providing incentives based on a “green” score. The process 300 could be executed according to instructions in a vehicle 101 computer 105, and alternatively or additionally steps of the process 300 could be carried out by the server 125 in communication with a vehicle 101 computer 105 via the network 120. Further, operations described herein to the computer 105, e.g., displaying certain information, receiving inputs, etc., could be carried out by a user device 150 in communication with the computer 105 and/or the server 125.

In any case, the process 300 begins in a block 305, in which a determination is made concerning environmental usage of an identified vehicle 101, by the server 125 or the vehicle 101 computer 105. For example, a percentage of time that a vehicle 101 is operating in electric vehicle (EV) mode could be determined.

Next, in a block 310, a display of the computer 105 display's a score or rating, sometimes referred to as the “green” score, relating to operation of the vehicle 101. For example, the green score may be based on a percentage of time that the vehicle is operating in EV mode and/or other factors such as described above.

Next, in a block 315, a display of the computer 105 notifies a user concerning incentives, e.g., a reduction in a fare or price for rental of the vehicle 101, that could be obtained if a green score is increased by a certain percentage. For example, a 10 percent increase in a green score could result in a five percent a fare reduction.

Next, in a block 320, a current green score for the vehicle 101 is evaluated. For example, the green score could be compared to a predetermined threshold.

Next, in a block 325, a display of the computer 105 could provide incentives or offers to a vehicle 101 user based on the evaluation of the green score in the block 320. For example, if the green score exceeds a predetermined threshold, a user could be rewarded with certain incentives or offers such as mentioned above, e.g., access to special parking spots, additional discounts, etc. However, if a green score does not exceed the predetermined threshold, a user could be provided with less advantageous or proximate parking, fewer discounts, etc. Further, a user could be informed of additional discounts that could be earned if a green score is increased, particularly if a user's green score does not qualify the user for any additional discounts. Further, alternate green score formats could be displayed, e.g., a number of trees saved, etc.

Next, in a block 330, user operating behavior, driving history, etc. is recorded, e.g., as described above, and is used to update a user profile. Further, based on such information, a display of the computer 105 could be used to provide suggestions for further improvements to a green score.

Following the block 330, the process 300 ends.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for a process 400 recommending a vehicle 101 to a user based at least in part on an evaluation of environmental conditions. For example, steps of the process 400 could be carried out according to programming in a server 125. The process 400 begins in a block 405, in which environmental data is received and evaluated. For example, air-quality data such as smog levels, particulate counts, etc., could be received.

Next, in a block 410, a determination is made whether the environmental data is below a predetermined threshold, e.g., whether an air-quality measure such as a smog level or particular account is below a predetermined threshold. If so, a block 415 is executed next. Otherwise, a block 425 is executed next.

In the block 415, which is executed following the block 410 if environmental quality is below a threshold, users and/or potential users of vehicles 101 may be notified, e.g., the server 125 could send a message via the network 120 to user devices 150, e.g., using known messaging mechanisms, concerning discount pricing for shared vehicles 101 based on environmental conditions. For example, a rental price for a shared vehicle 101 could be discounted and/or further discounts could be provided for users sharing rides and/or usage of a shared vehicle 101. Moreover, additional incentives could be displayed for use of a shared and environmentally friendly vehicle 101, such as preferential availability for desirable parking places, coupons or “green points” for further benefits, etc.

Next, in a block 420, a user could be provided with suggestions for environmentally friendly usage of a vehicle 101 based on a user profile as well as environmental conditions, e.g., to use an EV mode, etc. Following the block 420, the process 400 ends.

In the block 425 which is executed following the block 410 if environmental quality is not below threshold, users and/or potential users of shared vehicles 101 in the system 100 may be notified, e.g., the server 125 could send a message as described above, concerning normal rates for shared vehicle 101 usage, e.g., rates not influenced by bad environmental conditions.

Next, in a block 430, a user could be provided with suggestions for environmentally friendly usage of the vehicle 101 based on a user profile, e.g., as described above. Following the block 430, the process 400 ends.

Computing devices such as those discussed herein generally each include instructions executable by one or more computing devices such as those identified above, and for carrying out blocks or steps of processes described above. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and/or technologies, including, without limitation, and either alone or in combination, Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a computing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer readable medium, such as a storage medium, a random access memory, etc.

A computer-readable medium includes any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions), which may be read by a computer. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, etc. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes a main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

With regard to the media, processes, systems, methods, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of systems and/or processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the disclosed subject matter.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to claims appended hereto and/or included in a non-provisional patent application based hereon, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is capable of modification and variation. 

1. A system, comprising a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the computer is programmed to: collect data related to an environmental impact of a user's use of a shared vehicle; calculate a score based on the environmental impact; and offer the user further use of the shared vehicle at a price that is based at least in part on the score.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the data includes a record of when the vehicle is in an electric vehicle mode.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the data includes an evaluation of air quality.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the evaluation of air quality is used as a factor in determining the price.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein information in a user profile is used as a factor in determining the price.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is further programmed to use a driving history to update a user profile.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is further programmed to cause the score to be displayed in the vehicle.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein a number of users in the shared vehicle is used as a factor in determining the score.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is a remote server that communicates with the shared vehicle via a network.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is located in the shared vehicle.
 11. A method, comprising: collecting data related to an environmental impact of a user's use of a shared vehicle; calculating a score based on the environmental impact; and offering the user further use of the shared vehicle at a price that is based at least in part on the score.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the data includes a record of when the vehicle is in an electric vehicle mode.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the data includes an evaluation of air quality.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the evaluation of air quality is used as a factor in determining the price.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein information in a user profile is used as a factor in determining the price.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising using a driving history to update a user profile.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising causing the score o be displayed in the vehicle.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein a number of users in the shared vehicle is used as a factor in determining the score.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the score is calculated by a remote computer that communicates with the shared vehicle via a network.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the score is calculated by a computer that is located in the shared vehicle. 